What metal detectors should i buy

More importantly, a metal detector with good discrimination is better at sorting trash from treasure. This can save a lot of time, as there are plenty of nails and other junk buried in soil. The frequency of a metal detector is how often the circuitry switches the direction of current. This affects the depth and size of object the machine can detect. Lower frequencies provide greater depth penetration. If you want to detect deeper objects, look for a metal detector with a lower frequency — although be aware this makes the machine less sensitive to smaller targets.

Higher frequencies are most commonly used for gold or detecting smaller items. The higher the frequency, the shallower the maximum depth though.

Soil composition and the type of coil also play a role. Most detectors use a lower frequency to provide a greater depth. For specialist purposes, you may want to consider a higher frequency of multi-frequency option though. Some metal detectors can inform the user which type of target has been found. These detectors adjust their audio or visual output depending on whether a potentially valuable item has been detected, or whether it is likely to be junk.

The reactivity is a measure of how quickly the detector recovers after responding to a target. A faster recovery time allows the machine to respond to multiple targets in a sweep, including those that are close to rejected targets. Some models, such as the XP Deus, allow you to adjust the reactivity.

In easier environments, a lower reactivity provides a larger detecting range. A screen can be a useful addition to a metal detector — even though most experienced detectorists rely mainly on audio signals.

The information shown on a screen varies depending on the model. Examples include remaining battery run-time, sensitivity, discrimination settings and depth. Not all modern detectors have screens though. Many Tesoro detectors, for example, have adjustable dials rather than a digital display.

I mentioned earlier that coil size affects search depth. As a general rule, the larger the coil, the deeper you can search. When a metal detector searches deeper into the ground, the signal passes through more trace minerals and elements.

This makes false signals more likely — particularly in ground with high mineralization levels - and can mask smaller objects behind background static. Larger coils also make the metal detector less maneuverable, heavier and provide poorer object separation. On the upside, bigger coils are great for environments with low levels of mineralization. They are also faster when hunting over large areas. You may want to consider buying some additional coils as you gain more experience though.

While larger coils are great for depth, having a smaller coil in your arsenal makes it easier to find smaller targets.

These brands also tend to have excellent customer support and training materials. The cost of a metal detector can vary widely. The cheapest options cost several hundred dollars, but still allow you to find hidden treasure with surprising efficiency. For more specialist hunting, such as saltwater or gold prospecting, a PI or multi-frequency detector is likely to be the best choice.

High-quality headphones, in particular, can make metal detecting more enjoyable. They can block out external noise and allow you to hear deeper relics and other targets. I also recommend Lesche digging tools, although there are plenty of options when buying a digger. You should consider buying a pinpointer.

Some metal detectors include accessories such as bags or even pinpointers. The features above are the main considerations when choosing a metal detector, but there are a few other things to keep in mind.

These include:. With a huge range of prices, features and terminology, the market for a metal detector can be a confusing place. The key is to choose a metal detector that matches your experience, budget and requirements. Beginner treasure hunters should stick with entry-level models unless they have a specific reason not to do so, as they are cheaper and easier to use when finding most types of metal objects. They also have a simpler learning curve.

Whatever your budget or experience, I hope this article has helped you narrow down the best metal detector for your needs. If you have any questions about choosing the best metal detector, please feel free to ask in the comments section.

So, before I get to my top picks, let's clear up a couple of important points. Buyer's Guide. View Price. Best Advanced or Expert Metal Detector. What makes it such a special detector though?

Features and Settings. Pre-Set Programs. DEEP — for locating deeper targets with moderate discrimination. When this program is activated, certain settings are either replaced or deactivated, so it takes some practice to get right. These models are closer to toys than real detectors. Fisher F What makes this model the best beginner metal detector though? Garrett ACE How does it perform though?

For Relic Hunting. Teknetics T2 Classic. For Jewelry and Coins. Garrett AT Pro. For Salt Water Beaches. Garrett ATX Deepseeker.

For Gold. Minelab GPZ Fisher Gold Bug 2. For Kids. Bounty Hunter Junior T. Multi Frequency MF Detectors As the name suggests, multi-frequency metal detectors can be set to more than one frequency. Features Metal detectors have a range of features and settings.

Ground Balance All soil contains trace amounts of minerals and elements, which can interfere with a detector. Metal detectors come with several variations of ground balance control. These include: Preset — The machine has one or more ground balance setting that is preset by the manufacturer. These are fine for regions with low or medium mineralization, but can't be adjusted for more difficult regions. Automatic — Modern metal detectors can often determine the mineralization of the soil automatically and adjust the ground balance without user input.

Manual — A manual ground balance setting needs to be adjusted by the user depending on the soil type. While this requires a greater knowledge of the environment, it is useful if you want complete control.

A manual ground balance is also important for gold prospecting. Multiple — Some machines allow you to switch between manual and automatic modes depending on how much control you need.

Sensitivity The sensitivity of a metal detector provides a balance between its ability to detect an item at a certain depth and detecting interfering minerals.

Frequency The frequency of a metal detector is how often the circuitry switches the direction of current. Target Identification Some metal detectors can inform the user which type of target has been found. As you can imagine, this feature can save a lot of time digging up unwanted items. Reactivity The reactivity is a measure of how quickly the detector recovers after responding to a target. Screen A screen can be a useful addition to a metal detector — even though most experienced detectorists rely mainly on audio signals.

Coil Size I mentioned earlier that coil size affects search depth. How much should you spend though? This depends on your experience, budget and what you want from a metal detector.

Accessories Along with the detector, you need to budget for the cost of extra accessories. Other Considerations The features above are the main considerations when choosing a metal detector, but there are a few other things to keep in mind.

These include: Metal detector Weight. The weight of a metal detector varies a lot. If your son or daughter is likely to use the machine, check that the detector is light enough and the size can be adjusted. Most modern detectors are able to withstand the odd bump or bash. Where to start? Most detectors in this price range are considered budget due to their low price tags and limited features. These detectors come with the basics that will keep an entire family engaged in enjoyment, and due to the light weight, adjustable shaft length, and easy to use interface, they can be passed along to multiple users.

These upper entry-level metal detectors offer more adjustable user settings that allows a beginner to grow with their detector. Beginner detectors are general-purpose models. They can be as basic and entry-level as the ones in this lineup, or they may have additional features that allow customization, but their focus is typically on three types of objects: coins, jewelry, and relics artifacts.

As basic functions go, entry-level models will have at least one audio tone, preset ground balance, and some level of discrimination. With digital tech being more affordable these days, even the cheapest metal detectors will have a digital interface.

The next step up in the entry-level market will include additional audio tones, adjustable sensitivity, and notching.

The more features, the higher the price. However, the higher price is justified if your goals are to seriously get a leg-up into the detecting hobby. Buying the first metal detector you come across may prove to be a detriment in your metal detecting goals.

It might make sense to get the tools needed before you embark on your journey, but truth be told, your journey starts long before you pull the trigger on your buy. Here are few tips to follow before buying a metal detector. Personal preference will determine which is the best detector for you. The one that performs to or even exceeds your expectations will always be the best buy for the money. The real question to ask is where can you metal detect and dig? While many of these sites allow metal detecting, they may not allow digging.

Every region and state will have different regulations and policies in place. You must plan out your hunt and get in touch with local officials to ensure the legalities before you metal detect and dig.

It depends. You must check with local officials for the area you plan on metal detecting. Other times, a permit may not be required, but compliance to a code of ethics is. There may also be time limits or hours for the specific park or area that must be taken into consideration.

Every state has their own set of regulations in place to address metal detecting. Be sure to do the necessary research first before heading out the door. Good thing metal detecting promotes fun, exercise, and it can also be financially rewarding.

With a beginner metal detector, the learning curve is a lot less steep than if you were to start with a high-end model. Back to Best Metal Detectors Reviews and shortlists. From a young age I always had the knack to find coins, notes, wallets and more. All of that was without the use of technology. I look forward to sharing with you some amazing tech that will make your treasure hunt a lot easier. Contents show. Best Beginner Metal Detector.

Best Beginner Metal Detector Reviews 1. Before ever putting shovel to the ground, they carefully survey the land looking for evidence usually a concentration of nails of labor sites. If not properly handled and recorded, these sites and the stories of the people who labored there would be lost both to their descendants and to the world. But the general rule of thumb — according to him, Chambers, and Artur Kropiwiec , a U. When it comes to public land, laws differ from country to country and state to state.

This model has a search coil that is waterproof to a depth of nine inches, which, according to Connecticut-based detectorist Jessie Thompson , who has been passionate about metal detecting since he was 14 years old, makes it great for practicing on sandy beaches. According to George Streeter , a detectorist with over 50 years of experience who hosts annual group hunts in New Hampshire and underwater hunts in the Caribbean, the Minelab Vanquish has everything a beginner could need.

It gives you both I. And like the Garrett Ace, it has a waterproof search coil submersible up to three feet so you can explore beaches, streams, and river beds. Chambers, Kropiwiec, and Streeter are all fans of the Minelab Equinox Streeter describes the interface as intuitive and says it can detect deeper and has more options than the Garrett Ace and the Minelab Vanquish. It has a battery life of up to 12 hours, is waterproof up to ten feet, and, depending on which package you buy, can also come with wireless headphones to help you hear the search tones without ambient distraction and a pinpointer to help you find your target close up and through mud.

Three of the experts we spoke to — Martin, Barisic, and Kropiwiec — love this metal detector for its high frequency, which allows for greater sensitivity to small items and items with low conductivity, like alloyed or very thin pieces of jewelry.

And Kropiwiec says the Deus will last a long time and retain its value. It has a battery life of up to 27 hours and is fully waterproof. Plus, the company updates its software often and offers free downloadable software upgrades for life.

He considers the CTX to be one of the deepest detectors on the market and says he has used it to find Roman brooches, Spanish silver reales coins, gold rings , necklaces, bracelets, and much more. Like the XP Deus, this metal detector has tons of customizable settings and is fully waterproof up to ten feet.